Latest News and Announcements

Lesson Description

With private instruction we focus on your individual needs and progression. Private kiteboarding instruction is for kiters of all levels – beginner through advanced. Whether you are just starting to learn or are already kiting and want to learn some new tricks or fine tune your riding, our experienced and dedicated instructors will help your achieve and exceed your own expectations.

Private lessons available by the hour with a 2hr minimum.

We are open for private lessons daily. Daily start times are 11am(land only), 1:00pm, 3:15pm and 5:30 pm.

All equipment is included. Depending on the conditions lessons will either be taught from the beach or from a PWC. Unfortunately requests for either cannot be accommodated.

Thank-you to all the people who came forward and shared their condolences with the KGB team. Royce’s death is very hard to deal with, but the decision of keeping KGB Kiteboarding up and running was not a hard decision to make. Royce was one of the hardest working people I ever knew, he worked extremely hard to build KGB Kiteboarding into the school and shop that it has become. I knew that I had to keep the business going, it wasn’t ever really a decision, it was just something that had to be done. I had already lost so much, that giving up KGB wasn’t even fathomable.

Royce was intense, passionate and he loved Kiteboarding. I remember the day he discovered that Toll Plaza Beach (now Royce Beach) was a place that would be suitable for lessons, he talked about it 25/7 (yeah, Royce could talk more hours in the day than were actually in the day) we must have gone back each day for a week, just to keep checking it out, making sure the beach didn’t disappear or something. Royce was never a person to do anything half-assed, he was always full-assed (mostly landing on it as he wiped out!). We hope to keep that energy up with KGB.

Not many details of Royce’s death are available – given that it is an on-going investigation OPD wont release details for fear of people providing false information for trades off with the police. I will say that he was deliberately struck as someone stole his car. He died instantly and was not suffering for a significant period of time. The car was recovered shortly afterwards and was not damaged. The police have some grainy footage, and I try to believe that the fucking monsters that did this will be caught and that justice will be served.

If and when any information is released, I will be sure to post it here.

In the meantime – thank-you and please reach out if you feel the need.

Come down to Toll Plaza Beach this Saturday May 9th at 10am and join us for the 4th annual Toll Plaza Beach Clean Up Day. We will provide gloves, trash bags, water and the dump fee but we could use some helping hands and an open bed truck to haul the debris to the Berkeley dump.

We have already done an early season clean up but there is still more we can do to help preserve the adjacent bird refuge and east bay shoreline in this area.

Todd from Ocean Rodeo will then be there all day after the clean up with all the new OR toys to demo, including the much anticipated “DUKE” directional. Come down and enjoy some wind, music and good times. The most recent April demo at TP was awesome with wind and 80+ attendees over 2 days, so come down this Saturday and lets repeat the feat!

We are proud to announce the grand opening of our newest KGB Kiteboarding San Francisco Bay Area location-KGB Westside!

KGB Westside by Jason Reyes offers lesson clients from the SF peninsula the opportunity to learn with KGB closer to home or work on the westside of the San Francisco Bay. This Brisbane, CA location enjoys very consistent thermal winds from April-Sep and is open for land & Jet ski assisted lessons by appointment only from 1pm-6pm daily April-Sep.

Jason Reyes is the primary instructor at this location. Jason has been teaching kitesurfing locally since 2010 and he absolutely loves it. His experienced approach is simple, focusing on safety & fun with patience & intuition.

“Most of my adult life has been spent working in outdoor leadership and hospitality management. I thoroughly enjoy the challenges and rewards of instruction. Every students experience and satisfaction drives me to grow as an instructor and ambassador of this sport.” Jason Reyes, Manager/Instructor KGB Westside

Come join us at Toll Plaza Beach Oakland, CA on April 18-19th from 1-6pm for the 5th annual KGB Spring Fling Demo Days event. On hand will be pro-riders and brand representatives from Best Kiteboarding, Slingshot Kite-SUP, Airush and Litewave boards. The public is invited to freely demo and learn about all the latest 2015 gear from these companies. There will also be free music and refreshments on hand.

Toll Plaza Beach is safe launch for all kiting skill levels Beginner-Advanced however any kiters wishing to demo any gear need to be intermediate level or above, sign a waiver or release of liability and have a major credit card for security deposit. All levels of SUP’ers are welcomed. Real time wind conditions can now be viewed on the BRAND NEW Windalert/Ikitesurf Toll Plaza Beach sensor!

KGB Kiteboarding will be hosting a board/gear free raffle, offering free Distortion wake winch rides and will be giving away tons of free swag. The drawing for the daily raffle will be held at TP beach each demo day at 5:30pm, winners need not be present to claim their prizes.

We are now closed for the 2014 SF Bay Summer lesson season. Thanks to all that made this season such a great success!

If you are itching to keep kiting this Winter then we encourage you to join us for one of our Baja Kite Camps or the Caribbean Kite Cruise. These are not only great fun adventures but also packed with instruction and fun free amenities.

There are 2 weeks left to choose from this Winter so book early before they fill up and we will see you there!

We are excited to announce that the Bay Area kiteboarding lesson season is opening in April. Beginning April 4 and running through September, KGB will be offering kiteboarding instruction at 3310 Powell St. Emeryville, CA 94608.

In addition to being a full-service kiteboarding and SUP retailer, KGB Kiteboarding offers a variety of International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO)-certified kiteboarding instruction on land at a local beach and via jet ski in open water on the bay. Lessons range from group trainer kite lessons for beginners to advanced private instruction for ages 12-80.

During the weekend of April 19-20, KGB Kiteboarding will be hosting the fourth annual season opening demo day and season kickoff bonfire barbecue party from 1-10 p.m. April 19. The demo will be from 1-6 p.m. on April 20. Everyone is invited to attend. Best, Litewave, Airush and other brands will be on hand so that experienced kiters can try out the latest 2014 gear.

With the 2014 season is just around the corner we’re excited to finally announce the much anticipated bay area screenings of With A Kite!

BAK & KGB Kiteboarding have teamed up to bring two showings to a theater near you. We’ll have plenty of kite swag to pass out, exciting big ticket free raffle prizes, and an appearance by the filmmaker himself, Adam Boozer. Also there will be after parties with locations TBD.

This is a great way to meet other local kiters, make new friends, win some cool swag and get stoked for the upcoming Spring kiting season.

Now, before you get too excited, we still need your help. The screenings will only happen if enough people commit, and the threshold quantity and prices have been set by the theater.

You can purchase your $10 tickets using the links below, but your credit card won’t be charged until we’ve reached the requirement.

So be sure to sign up ASAP as the ticket purchasing deadline is a week before the show!

KGB Gift Certificates are a great way to make certain that you give the perfect gift this season and are redeemable for lessons or gear. This is also a great way to save 20% on 2014 gear, now in stock!

We can send you a personalized PDF of the gift certificate that you can then email to the recipient or print out and then present it personally.

While the Dec Baja kite camps are full there are still a few spots left in our Feb 16th BAJA KITE CAMP

These all inclusive kite camps are the way to go if you want progress your kite skills quickly. Kite Camp includes 20+ hrs of lessons and a 3hr Private Refresher lesson back in the Bay Area, meals, lodging, use of all the 2013 Best gear and more….

We are also accepting reservations for our 10 DAY KITE LIKE A PRO CLINIC in Puerto Vallarta, MX.This all inclusive resort based kite clinic in March 2014 is filling up fast! Secure your spot with a $100 Deposit today!Join pro kiteboarders Sam Medesky, Rich Sabo, Andres Tapia and others for this awesome kite clinic. This trip is for beginners to experts. Includes 30+ hrs of instruction, gear, lodging, all meals-drinks, entertainment, ground transportation and more.

Bring your friends along and save up to $100 off the already amazing price of $1649!

Well the winds are dying off, changing direction and come November it will be time to head south to chase the winds. Thanks to all of you for making this past season so much fun and enjoyable. We look forward to seeing some of you in Mexico this winter or again next Spring when the Bay winds return.

If you haven’t already got your gear or if you need to fill out your existing kite quiver now is the time to do it by taking advantage of some super low pricing on top notch 2013 used gear. While supplies last we have used kites, bars, wetsuits, booties, helmets and even a few harnesses. All of this gear is in great condition and ready for a new home!

All the new 2014 gear from Best, Airush and more is in stock right now!

We will also stand behind any used gear you purchase from us with a full shop warrantee against any manufacturing defects and if you damage the used gear we will repair it for you at our cost for life!

Here is a partial list of gear being offered on sale:

2012 Best Kahoona+ 5.5m $380

2013 Best Kahhona 9.5m $450

2012 Best Nemi HP 10m $675!

2013 Best GP 11m w/52bar $885

2013 Best GP 13m $700

Harneses from $80

Helmets from $15

Wetsuits from $25

Booties from $5

2013 Clearance new kites and bars at 25% off!

2013 Clearance new boards at 25% off!

2013 Clearance new Harnesses at 25% off!

Please call us to make an appointment to look at the gear anytime that works for you.

Even though the shop closes for the winter on the 30th we would be happy to meet with you anytime after that. More info and specifics can also be viewed here

Demo the new gear at the beach during the day from 12-6pm, then on Saturday the 8th come join us for the BBQ/Firepit after party at the shop in Emeryville from 7-11pm. Meet our cool staff and make some new friends.

After party is on wind or no wind! No wind plan: Wake boarding & SUP Demos from the beach!

Maui Mike will be there grilling that awesome chicken we all love and there will be a potluck. So please bring something to share if you can. We will cover all the basics and the frosty brew!

There will be a free raffle where you can win a new board and free kite swag.
Plan for some awesome good times and don’t bail out before the raffle.

Everyone is invited. The more the merrier and we hope to see you all there.

Update: The demo and party was a great success with 30+mph winds and a huge turnout. Thanks to all that made it such a success and we are looking forward to the next one!

The Toll Plaza is an awesome place to ride, but it does tend to collect a lot of junk over the winter so there will be a cleanup this Saturday, June 1, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The KGB Kiteboarding School in Emeryville (http://www.kgbswag.com) is hosting and will bring water, cans, bags, etc. We had a great group of friendly folks last year (picture below–me on far right) and the beach looked fantastic when we finished so come join us. If you can supply a truck for a dump run, let it be known and you’ll have the gratitude of all. KGB will take up a collection for the $30 dump fee.

The turn-off from the freeway to the beach is a little tricky, so if you haven’t been there before and aren’t sure about directions, just ask.

We are looking forward to satisfying all your kiting needs & spending time with you all on the water in the upcoming new year.

Please sign up on our mailing list below to receive special deals and the latest KGB updates. Be on the lookout for new and exciting offerings as well as growth in our SUP rental program. Check out our Gift Certificate page as well, as these make great last minute stocking stuffers!

With the fall leaves changing color and snow beginning to crest the mountaintops, the 2012-13 winter brings with it Tahoe’s newest winter experience, snowkiting. Snowkiting is a sport where skiers and snowboarders use windpower to go uphill, across meadows, jump, and get endless powder turns.

One of Tahoe’s most prominent ski areas, Sugar Bowl Resort, has embraced this sport and will be offering a riding and lesson area for people to learn and enjoy. For the past ten years, snowkiting has been gaining popularity throughout the US. “The presence of snowkiting in the Tahoe area has long been awaited. With the new Sierra Snowkite Center, everyone will have the opportunity to take part in this great sport,” says Jacob Buzianis, snowkiting legend and owner of Utah Snowkite Center.

Sugar Bowl sales and marketing director, John Monson, and North American Snowkite Tour Champion/ owner of Sierra Snowkite, Tyler Brown, have been looking forward to bringing snowkiting to Donner Summit for several years. “People can now enjoy a day of skiing only to retire to an afternoon of snowkiting,” explains Tyler, “With Sugar Bowl operating Royal Gorge and now the addition of the Sierra Snowkite Center, one can partake in a trifecta of winter sports all in one day. It’s truly a unique experience that is only offered here on Donner Summit.” Sierra Snowkite will offer a variety lesson packages, gear demos, and an amazing 250 acre riding area. KGB Kiteboarding in Emeryville CA will be offering Snowkiting lesson services in association with SSC beginning Dec 15th.

Location: The Sierra Snowkite riding area is a 250 acre meadow with undulating terrain. There are natural hills and wind drifts to play on in addition to the endless deep powder. Sierra Snowkite also provides two man-made features for your sliding and jumping pleasure.

Lessons: The Sierra Snowkite Center offers a diverse range of snowkite lessons. Whether it’s a mellow day of family kite flying, adapting your kiteboarding skills to the snow, or learning to ride endless powder, there is a lesson for you.

Demos: The Sierra Snowkite Center has a variety of different kite demo options. Demo arrangements can be made hourly, daily, or weekly.

We are stoked to be launching this new and latest version of our website 3.0! Almost 6 months in the making and we are still trying to perfect it. Thanks for being patient after our last site had a major data base problem we had to take our time and make certain we got the right team on the rebuild. Looking at the new site, I think we were very successful!

We hope you find your experience on this site to be enjoyable, worthwhile, educational and seamless. Please contact us if you run into any issues so that we can get them fixed asap. Look for new offerings and announcements over the next year. Please take a moment to sign up on our mailing list link below.

FOR WINTER 2013 WE ARE STOKED TO BE HOSTING WEEKLONG “LEARN TO FLY KITE CAMPS” IN WINDY AND SCENIC LA VENTANA, BCS MX. Many of our clients are looking forward to this unique kiteboarding experience! The value of the lesson time alone is exceptional, not to mention all the other amenities, lodging, demo gear, more info. These

KITE CAMPS ARE ABOUT PROGRESSION IN A RELAXED & UNCROWDED ENVIRONMENT

As of November 30th here are a few remaining Camp dates to choose from in Jan & Mar. Camps are limited to a max of 8-10 kiters per each week. Kiters of all skill levels are welcome as well as non kiters! These camps will primarily focus on rapidly progressing your kiteboarding skills via daily personalized instruction in a private and laid back mexican beach camp setting. Plus there are plenty of fun activities for any non kiters to do.

La Ventana, Baja is a world class windy spot and an all-around awesome place! Camps are going to be a great experience so we hope you can join us for the warm & windy fun & see you soon in sunny MX!

Thanks to all our clients and staff that made Summer 2012 such a great success. We thanks you all for your feedback and helping us grow this awesome sport. We have kiting plans for the winter months, and invite you to join us Snowkiting in Tahoe in association with Sierra Snowkite Center as well as at the weeklong Kite Camps in Baja MX.

All the new 2013 Best Kites are in stock and available for demo by appt. as well as for sale on this site. Please contact us for absolute best pricing. We will re-open for lessons in the Bay sometime in early April 2013. Please feel free to visit our Get Scheduled page to get on the lesson calendar. Look for emailer announcements about upcoming events and specials.

Summer is finally here and so are the great daily thermal winds. Stop by our shop or email us to get signed up for lessons! We are open daily. Lots of great new inventory to see as well as a new kite rental program.

If you have purchased an online lesson deal, please email us with your name, phone # and the day & time that you would prefer for your lesson and we can get you scheduled. We invite you to come in TODAY AND LET’S HAVE SOME FUN KITING……

Winter is almost over and we are ready for an awesome Spring season. New for KGB in ’12 will be a kite gear Demo / Rental program, Pro Clinics, Demo-BBQ days & monthly kite gear swap meets on the first Sat am of each month in our shop parking lot.

If you have purchased a Groupon or AAA Deal lesson please email us with your name, phone # and the day & time that you would prefer for your lesson and we can get you scheduled. We invite you to come in when the warm winds return.

Happy Holidays to all & thanks again to our staff & clients for a great 2011 summer season. Be sure to take advantage of the AWESOME HOLIDAY LESSON SALE on now thru Dec 31st!

All the 2012 gear is in-stock and available online. Get the latest from Best Kiteboarding, Airush & HQ Kites. In the Spring look for new offerings from Prolimit, Dakine, Litewave, Axon Boards & others. If there is a specific brand you are looking for that is not on our website, please let us know. Chances are we can get it for you! Please call or email us for the best deal on your gear & to schedule your lessons.

Snowkiting season is just around the corner with the snow starting to fall. Look for a KGB Snowkiting season opening announcement soon…..

We plan to reopen our pro shop & for water lessons on April 1, 2012. We invite you to come in for your new 2012 gear or a lesson next summer when the winds return.

Enjoy your holidays we hope they are very, very windy! Remember to take advantage of these fantastic holiday offers & we are looking forward to seeing you out on the snow or water very soon……

We are now closed for the 2011 kiteboarding lesson season. KGB Kiteboarding has had an amazing first season as an IKO School. Thanks to all the instructors/staff members and our awesome clients. You made it a success. We are still continuing operations online and as a retail shop by appointment only.

For those that couldn’t make it in before the winds died, sorry you missed out this year. No worries though, we will see you in theSpring. If you have purchased a deal lesson the value you paid will for the deal always be there. We invite you to come in when the winds return next season. We will reopen for water lessons April 1st 2012. Best times for wind are from May-Aug. Here is a recent news article about this from SF GATE on KGB Kiteboarding

The season is still going strong, great consistant winds are expected for at least the next month, so book a lesson now!

Thanks to all that made our recent online deals such a success! To schedule your deal lesson just send us an email with: type of lesson, names, phone #’s, preferred dates & times. Set times are listed on our FAQ page. The season goes until late Oct. We have plenty of openings so book today!

Welcome and thanks to all the new students that made our recent Group On/Zozi/Yelp deals such a success! If you purchased a deal please send us an email with all the students names, your preferred lesson date and time. Please include a contact phone # as well. Lesson times are available on our F.A.Q. page. We will contact you to confirm your date.

Summer winds are here and the windy season goes until late Oct. so there is no rush. We have plenty of space available!

Summer winds on the way at the end of the week. Sign up for your IKO lessons now and be shredding by seasons end! Both of our fantastic lesson locations are open for the season. Bay waters are also starting to warm up come in to our shop and try on a new wetsuit or harness. The new 2011 Best kites always available for Demo at our school.

The Best Demo and Fire Pit Party was a succes thanks to all that stopped by. The winds cooperated some got out to demo the new Nemis, Taboos and Kahoonas and evryone had a great time at the afterparty. More events like this to come this season….STAY TUNED!

We have had some great winds already this year and expect them to only get better. Come down and demo the latest Best kites and visit our new Marina shop and IKO Center this weekend April 30th -May 1st 1pm-?. BBQ and After Demo Party with massive fire pit at our Emeryville Location. New kite Launch right on the spot! 3310 Powell st Emeryville 94608